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Jeungsimsa is one of the oldest and largest temples in Gwangju. This temple is said to have been first built by Cheolganseonsa (a public office title) Do Yun in the 4th year of King Heonan's reign and was remodeled by Hyejoguksa (a public office title) in the 11th year of King Uijong's reign during the Koryeo Dynasty. In the 25th year of King Sejong's reign, Kim Bang reconstructed the temple and added some buildings such as the O Baekjeon to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country but the building was totally burnt down during Jeongyujaeran (a war).

Jeungsimsa served as the stronghold of the Imjaejong Movement (a Buddhist movement in Korea that insisted that Buddhism in Korea and Japan had different origins) during the early period of Japanese colonial rule. Unfortunately, the temple was totally burnt during the Korean War(in 1950) except for O Baekjeon and Nojeon and most of the building was newly restored in the 1970s~1980s. Jeungsimsa is now composed of several buildings such as O Baekjeon, Sansingak, Birojeon, Daeungjeon, Jijangjeon, Jeongmukdang, Haengwondang, Jonggak, and Iljumun.

Among the cultural artifacts in Jeungsimsa, Birojanabul Jwasang (a Buddhist statue) attracts the eyes of visitors with its thick lips and facial expressions which are more similar to humans than a serious and holy Buddha. Dozens of buildings including Samcheung Seoktap (three-storied stone pagoda), Seokjobosal Ipsang (a Buddhist statue), and Beomjachilcheung Seoktap (seven-storied stone pagoda) show visitors the long history of the temple.

Thinking of the distant old past when the building was first built, visitors may feel great the marvel and wonder which can only be felt in old temples. Jeungsimsa is not only the oldest temple in Gwangju but also the greatest witness and friend of the city's history.

Traffic information

• Bus : Cheomdan 09, Jiwon35, Jiwon 50, Jiwon 51, Jiwon 54, Bongseon76
• Subway : Get on the bus at Jeungsimsa Ipgu station

Other famous tourist destinations nearby

• Mudeung Mt. > Wonhyosa (temple) > Yakssaam (small temple) > Uijae Art Museum > The Birth House of O Jiho